SD

How to Start Homeschooling in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota law provides for alternative instruction in the basic skills of language arts and mathematics after a parent, guardian, or other person having control of a child files a notification with the Department of Education or the local district; the person providing the instruction is not required to be certified (SDCL 13-27-3).

Legal framework

South Dakota law (SDCL 13-27-3) provides that when a parent, guardian, or other person having control of a child files a notification with the Department of Education or the local district, the child is being provided with alternative instruction in the basic skills of language arts and mathematics. The person providing instruction is not required to be certified, may not instruct more than twenty-two children, and gives all instruction so as to lead to a mastery of the English language.